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^ There's also a Red Robin near downtown at 104 Ave & 112 St if that's not too far for you.

I tried Fatburger at City Centre Mall a few years ago. It was OK, and I've meant to give it another try. However, if I'm going to have a burger at that particular location then I'd sooner head across to A&W.

“You have to dream big. If we want to be a little city, we dream small. If we want to be a big city, we dream big, and this is a big idea.” - Mayor Stephen Mandel, 02/22/2012

Finally tried Sequel Cafe for lunch today. Red lentil soup was good, black forest ham sammich was alright as was the homemade iced tea. The place was busy, which was nice to see given its relatively obscure presence on an almost empty Edmonton winter street. Personally I wouldn't say this is a place I would go out of my way for, but it's another decent lunch option for that area of downtown.

“You have to dream big. If we want to be a little city, we dream small. If we want to be a big city, we dream big, and this is a big idea.” - Mayor Stephen Mandel, 02/22/2012

Not necessarily. The bank fees, terminal rental fees, etc ... can be quite onerous for a small business in a tight margin business. The customer does not see any of these, but the business owner sure sees them. Even other non bank payment options such as Paypal, Square, etc.. charge a similar percentage, that is how they stay in business. Small businesses do not get anything like the preferred rates that credit card companies give to large companies like Walmart.

Personally, I don't go to places that do not take cash as I do not want banks and credit card companies tracking my spending too much and I use my debit and credit cards only with merchants I know and trust. Most of us can handle cash, its really not that difficult - there are ATM machines all over the city.

Wife and I went to Fatburger (Namao Centre) only once. I wasn't overly impressed, and wife said her veggie burger was extremely salty. I didn't notice the salt, but I like my food saltier than most people.

We both like Red Robin, too bad we have to go all the way out to the west end or to Clareview for it.

Thanks for the reply. Apologies for being late with this. I'm wondering if the added salt is a preservative of some kind or do they add it in? Could I just say hold the salt please?

Speaking about Red Robin, we live almost across the street. They have the best fries in the city.

Wife and I went to Fatburger (Namao Centre) only once. I wasn't overly impressed, and wife said her veggie burger was extremely salty. I didn't notice the salt, but I like my food saltier than most people.

We both like Red Robin, too bad we have to go all the way out to the west end or to Clareview for it.

Thanks for the reply. Apologies for being late with this. I'm wondering if the added salt is a preservative of some kind or do they add it in? Could I just say hold the salt please?

Speaking about Red Robin, we live almost across the street. They have the best fries in the city.

They did great lamb burgers, I love their fries as well. Other than that, RR is just okay...

Not necessarily. The bank fees, terminal rental fees, etc ... can be quite onerous for a small business in a tight margin business. The customer does not see any of these, but the business owner sure sees them. Even other non bank payment options such as Paypal, Square, etc.. charge a similar percentage, that is how they stay in business. Small businesses do not get anything like the preferred rates that credit card companies give to large companies like Walmart.

Personally, I don't go to places that do not take cash as I do not want banks and credit card companies tracking my spending too much and I use my debit and credit cards only with merchants I know and trust. Most of us can handle cash, its really not that difficult - there are ATM machines all over the city.

I know and understand the reasons behind why a company might want to avoid a particular form of payment. I tend to carry around a bit of cash, although I'm finding I need to replenish that less and less often. But personally, I'd almost make a point of not patronizing a retail business that is cash only. It's their choice to accept payment in whatever form they prefer, but in my mind it's basically a middle finger to their clientele whether they intend it to be or not.

Originally Posted by Dave

I wouldn't automatically assume or imply that a cash based business was doing anything illegal.

Depends on the business. Apparently the vast majority of the home construction and renovation industry in Quebec operates on a cash only basis. Some family friends own a cabin outside of Ottawa, and have difficulty finding trades to do any work on their place because they refuse to pay cash, knowing full well that the contractors are dodging taxes.

Not necessarily. The bank fees, terminal rental fees, etc ... can be quite onerous for a small business in a tight margin business. The customer does not see any of these, but the business owner sure sees them. Even other non bank payment options such as Paypal, Square, etc.. charge a similar percentage, that is how they stay in business. Small businesses do not get anything like the preferred rates that credit card companies give to large companies like Walmart.

Personally, I don't go to places that do not take cash as I do not want banks and credit card companies tracking my spending too much and I use my debit and credit cards only with merchants I know and trust. Most of us can handle cash, its really not that difficult - there are ATM machines all over the city.

I know and understand the reasons behind why a company might want to avoid a particular form of payment. I tend to carry around a bit of cash, although I'm finding I need to replenish that less and less often. But personally, I'd almost make a point of not patronizing a retail business that is cash only. It's their choice to accept payment in whatever form they prefer, but in my mind it's basically a middle finger to their clientele whether they intend it to be or not.

Originally Posted by Dave

I wouldn't automatically assume or imply that a cash based business was doing anything illegal.

Depends on the business. Apparently the vast majority of the home construction and renovation industry in Quebec operates on a cash only basis. Some family friends own a cabin outside of Ottawa, and have difficulty finding trades to do any work on their place because they refuse to pay cash, knowing full well that the contractors are dodging taxes.

Yes, it depends on the business and perhaps the province too, HST is much higher in Quebec than GST here. A low transaction volume, higher margin business like home construction should be able to handle debit/credit card fees, so I would wonder more about that. A very small retail outlet or restaurant with tight margins may decide that is a big cost for them they could do without, especially if they are not part of a national chain or franchise where they would be required to have to have those things.

Checked out Fat Albert's Pizza and Donair just next to Mike's Bikes on Whyte ave. They took a long time opening and it is quite the place inside. Solid donair though - good sauce, some might complain about the meat to pita ratio but I liked it. Pizza looked really good. Owner Albert seems like a super nice guy. I'll definitely be back.

Checked out Fat Albert's Pizza and Donair just next to Mike's Bikes on Whyte ave. They took a long time opening and it is quite the place inside. Solid donair though - good sauce, some might complain about the meat to pita ratio but I liked it. Pizza looked really good. Owner Albert seems like a super nice guy. I'll definitely be back.

I pass by there every day during the summer. It was always closed so I figured it was a money laundering front.

To be clear, Fat Albert's is not in Old Strathcona. It's east of Mill Creek near La Cite Francophone and Bonnie Doon, in the same strip mall as the Brick & Whiskey pub. And before anyone asks, doesn't look like it's the same as the Fat Albert's from Ottawa.

“You have to dream big. If we want to be a little city, we dream small. If we want to be a big city, we dream big, and this is a big idea.” - Mayor Stephen Mandel, 02/22/2012

How does another donair joint manage to open up on Whyte Ave with hopes of succeeding? Are there any places other than Chicago Deep Dish still serving pizza by the slice left on the Avenue?

I'm not completely sad about the lack of pizza by the slice on the avenue. The lack of discarded half eaten pizza and vomit laying around is a welcome site. Without looking at storefronts and strictly staring at pavement one can tell where all the pizza by the slice locations are.

I've often said this but it would be an interesting experiment for Whyte Avenue proprietors and or Old Strathcona to not do sidewalk cleaning for a week. Within one week people would notice the difference. I actually think to some degree its enabling behavior for the area to do so much cleaning up.

To get a real sense of what Whyte Avenue looks like after any party night go there for a walk at 6-7am. But always watch where you are stepping.

This is OT but it wouldn't surprise me if Old Strathcona frowns on pizza by the slice vendors by now.

"if god exists and he allowed that to happen, then its better that he doesn't exist"

I was walking by a few times wondering what happened to Funky Pickle. Seems like a licence to print money selling pizza by the slice to wandering drunks. That's literally fishing from a barrel. What could go wrong? Other than a big *** huge mess all over there. The whole sidewalk the whole block was some kind of funky.

"if god exists and he allowed that to happen, then its better that he doesn't exist"

I'm glad you got to have mushroom soup, that was Cafe Amore's soup of the day but they ran out so didn't get any (cue the Seinfeld skit). The place was absolutely packed too. As expected, the food and service at Cafe Amore is top-notch - if you get Vincent as your server then you'll be in awesome hands.

“You have to dream big. If we want to be a little city, we dream small. If we want to be a big city, we dream big, and this is a big idea.” - Mayor Stephen Mandel, 02/22/2012

^ The website, as structured is kind of confusing. They've geared it up so much to a "skip the Dishes" delivery order format that its hard to discern whether it is strictly take out, or also a sit down diner.

Btw, those presentations from the Marc, the Beet Risotto Char, and the Lentil Soup are the kind of imaginative presentations that I applaud, and that make all the difference, as we eat with our eyes. A little extra effort can make a dish special, and memorable.

I'm Celiac in the first place so the Beignets would be a never try, but deep fried dough (or deep fried anything) isn't a thing missed. Especially for any celiac as its cross contamination hell in a fryer. In a nation of Tim hortons I kind of detest it. I miss a good fine loaf of bread, a fine Rye or something like that. I've rarely missed donuts. Not even the tom thumbs at the Ex. Theres so much better food to consume and that is actually nutritional and dietarily palatable.

The Char with Risotto, and the Lentil Soup were also appealing because they are sound menu choices from a nutritional and dietary pov. That said the Char looks overdone there to achieve that level of charred effect.

Last edited by Replacement; 06-01-2018 at 10:52 AM.

"if god exists and he allowed that to happen, then its better that he doesn't exist"

Pip for brunch. Very good. They need to get their wait times figured out though. "30 to 45 minutes" ended up being about 90 minutes. While waiting we hopped into Holy Roller cafe for a coffee and to check out the restaurant. Easily the best looking room in the city, raised the bar for decor. We booked a reservation on the spot, will follow up with dinner review next weekend.

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction" - Blaise Pascal

Pip for brunch. Very good. They need to get their wait times figured out though. "30 to 45 minutes" ended up being about 90 minutes. While waiting we hopped into Holy Roller cafe for a coffee and to check out the restaurant. Easily the best looking room in the city, raised the bar for decor. We booked a reservation on the spot, will follow up with dinner review next weekend.

Had dinner at The Holy Roller with the Director of My Entertainment (IanO knows who she is) a couple of weeks ago and will definitely go back soon.

Shared the Pear and Prosciutto Pixto and Brie and Fig Appetizer with another couple and then I had the Pappardelle Lentil Chorizo while the Director had the Steak Board. All excellent with mine having just the right spice to the Arrabiatta Sauce.

I wasn't that excited by the After You Eight we shared but the other couple's Esfera looked fascinating!

Far bigger value and décor than Ampersand27 .

One caution, we sat on a four chair high top across from the wonderful looking bar and the chairs were a tad wobbly. I would go for the low top tables in the back of the room next time.

Went to Red Ox Inn last night. Hadn't been for years because the group I dine with (related to work) always make last minute plans and with ROI you usually need to reserve well ahead.

Definitely was not disappointed - food and service were excellent. The server recommended a wine that everyone thought was amazing.

Still one of the best in the City, love it there.

Place has always been amazing. A little pricey but should be considered a best of Edmonton staple for decades. What I like about the place particularly is they don't run on fads and short term success. The place has been excellent since opening decades ago. Nice little block there as well. A dinner there is nice as well if you can stroll around and enjoy the shops and area a bit. Reminiscent of La Boheme in regards to being situated on an interesting little retail island.

"if god exists and he allowed that to happen, then its better that he doesn't exist"

Holy Roller was pretty good. -30 with wind blowing against the window we were seated next to made for a pretty chilly experience, but it wasn't too bad. The place nails the decor. The food was a little less stellar. Chicharrones were a bit bland and a bit tough/dry, maybe overcooked. Sauce was good. Charcuterie board was very meh. Steak board was awesome, definitely a bright spot. We also shared the crab and shrimp risotto, which was bursting with flavour.

I'll definitely go back and try more, need to try some pizzas. I found the mains to be out of place considering the rest of the menu seems designed to be shared, and then you have a few big plates at the back.

Place was full even during the deep freeze so I don't think they'll have any issues keeping seats filled if they continue to improve on their game.

For the Dawgs: In addition to snooty beer snob craft brew, they had some slum bottles for folks like yourself. You can get a Detroit style pizza and a Bud for $25 if you feel like mingling with people who shower regularly.

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction" - Blaise Pascal

Oh yeah, also hit up Cafe Linnea for brunch during the break. Another really cool room. That brunch menu is too light on options, and we weren't impressed with the food. It was really, really cold in there, which didn't help. Servers were doing their job wearing their coats. My fingers were frozen. Either they didn't feel like turning the heat up or it was no match for the cold.

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction" - Blaise Pascal

^^I don't think that's a normal issue for Linnea... they did post on their FB that they had to shut down service one day recently due to "unforeseen building and heating issues", though. Maybe that was the same day that you were there? https://www.facebook.com/cafelinnea/...type=3&theater

“Son, one day this will be an iconic structure shaping Edmonton’s skyline.”

I think we went the day before? It was nearly frosty in there, I hope they were able to get it all sorted out. I'll give it another chance in warmer times, in case the HVAC issues soured my experience and/or their ability to deliver at their usual level.

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction" - Blaise Pascal

I tried Revel last night (in the former Tavern 1903 space in the Alberta Hotel); I hadn't heard a lot of buzz about it, so I had no idea what to expect. Was very pleasantly surprised -- all the plates I had were really delicious, and they had some pretty reasonable happy hour specials as well. I would definitely return. My only disappointment was that the cocktail menu is a little ho-hum for 2018 (the two prior restaurants in the space were stronger in this regard), but maybe that will improve over time.

“Son, one day this will be an iconic structure shaping Edmonton’s skyline.”

Oh yeah, also hit up Cafe Linnea for brunch during the break. Another really cool room. That brunch menu is too light on options, and we weren't impressed with the food. It was really, really cold in there, which didn't help. Servers were doing their job wearing their coats. My fingers were frozen. Either they didn't feel like turning the heat up or it was no match for the cold.

We went to Cafe Linnea earlier this month for our anniversary dinner. Wasnt' very busy, but it was a weeknight. Food was outstanding all around. Loved the beef croquette. Service was attentive. Too attentive. We got her full life story including living arrangements and pressures from in laws to have kids. It was a bit awkward.

I tried Revel last night (in the former Tavern 1903 space in the Alberta Hotel); I hadn't heard a lot of buzz about it, so I had no idea what to expect. Was very pleasantly surprised -- all the plates I had were really delicious, and they had some pretty reasonable happy hour specials as well. I would definitely return. My only disappointment was that the cocktail menu is a little ho-hum for 2018 (the two prior restaurants in the space were stronger in this regard), but maybe that will improve over time.

Was it busy? Curious how they're doing.

"Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction" - Blaise Pascal

Here's a few I've tried in the past year or so:
The Marc - great food
Corso32 - great food
Woodwards - meh
North 53 - great food
Cafe Linnea - terrible
Dagwoods at Victoria - ok
Cafe Amore - good food
Guru - great fusion food
Dim Sum Delight - our goto chinese food spot in the west end
New Asian Village west - ok
Curry Corner - very good Indian food for a reasonable price
Turkish Kebab - interesting food, fresh and tasty and generous portions for a reasonable price
Urban Diner - old reliable, always good
Sabor - great food, I had perhaps the best steak in my life there

Plate look and preparation I guess isn't a thing anymore. There was a time and place where you wouldn't serve something looking like this in any highbrow establishment. Not sure where that place was from in anycase.. Probably some hipster joint. I've seen better looking road kill.

They make some cheap grits, about the cheapest thing possible to make, throw some old stewed to hell last weeks shaved roast beef on there and call it the special and unsuspecting foodies flock to the 25 buck plates like carrions on old kill. Only thing missing is the flies.

Quick price count. The grits on that plate cost 25cents. If that. Throw 6-8 ounces of old beef on that and its 4 bucks if even reasonably price sourced. Add some gravy, half an egg half a slice of toast (lol) and the whole shebang rings up to 5bucks. Nice mark up.

Last edited by Replacement; 13-03-2018 at 03:03 PM.

"if god exists and he allowed that to happen, then its better that he doesn't exist"

May not be $5 in ingredients but what about labour, high lease and utility costs and many other expenses in operating a business that need to be paid. All costs must come out of the customers bill, and a bit of profit. It's a tough business.

The wife and I went for her b-day celly and she wanted Olive Garden ( fine dining ) over there Tuesday at the AMA location South side. My first time for Olive Garden. I had the sausage/potato soup appetizer and this pulled pork beef pasta. Good. I cant recall what she had but we had to take the rest home.

The bill was abt $50 between both of us (big spender ) but it was a nice outing.